Babiš warns budget shortfall could exceed planned deficit for 2026

ANO leader Andrej Babiš told reporters that next year’s state budget deficit could exceed the planned 286 billion crowns, since as much as 80 billion crowns was missing in the current government draft. He urged the outgoing cabinet to address the issue, noting that his government will not take office until the end of the year. The outgoing administration submitted its draft budget at the last possible date, on September 30. Former finance minister Alena Schillerová, who is likely to take up the post once again, warned that the country may start the year under a provisional budget and said the proposal drafted by Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura would need to be "completely reworked.”